R

Radiation

Energy transfer in the form of electromagnetic waves or particles that release energy when absorbed by an object.

Rainforest

A large, dense forest (tropical or subtropical). Rainforests have an abundance of diverse plant and animal life.

Reactive

A class of compounds which are normally unstable and readily undergo violent change, react violently with water, can produce toxic gases with water, or possess other similar properties. Reactivity is one characteristic that can make a waste hazardous.

Recyclable

Refers to such products as paper, glass, plastic, oil and metals that can be reprocessed into products again instead of being disposed of as waste.

Recycling

Collecting and reprocessing a resource so it can be used again. An example is collecting aluminum cans, melting them down, and using the aluminum to make new cans or other aluminum products.

Reforestation

The process of reestablishing a forest on previously cleared land.

Remedial Action Plan

(RAP)A plan that outlines a specific program leading to the remediation of a contaminated site.

Renewable energy

Renewable energy is energy which comes from natural resources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat, which are renewable. Renewable energy is a term used to describe energy that is derived from resources, like the sun and the wind — resources that are continually available. Renewable energy is sustainable - obtained from inexhaustible resources. Renewable energy sources include wind, solar, biomass, geothermal and hydro.

Renewable resources

Natural resources that have the capacity to be naturally replenished despite being harvested (e.g., forests, fish). The supply of natural resources can, in theory, never be exhausted, usually because it is continuously produced.

Resource

A person, thing, or action that is used to produce a desired affect or product, usually for meeting human needs or improving the quality of life.